How Do Bond Lengths and Angles Affect Catalytic Activity?
1. Reaction Pathways: The bond lengths and angles can determine the preferred reaction pathway. For example, in transition state theory, the geometry of the transition state is crucial for lowering the activation energy. 2. Selectivity: In enantioselective catalysis, the spatial arrangement of the catalyst can lead to the preferential formation of one enantiomer over another. 3. Stability: The stability of intermediates and transition states is often a function of bond lengths and angles. For instance, an optimal bond angle can stabilize a transition state, making the reaction more feasible.
